A senior lawmaker has condemned the shooting incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City that left students dead and several others injured, calling it a “deeply tragic” attack on a place that should have remained safe.
Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said he has directed his office to coordinate with local authorities and concerned agencies to ensure immediate assistance is extended to affected families, including medical support for the injured and aid for those who lost loved ones.
He also urged law enforcement agencies to conduct a swift and thorough investigation to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the attack.
A school, he said, must never become a place of fear or violence, stressing that the incident represents a painful loss for families, teachers, and the wider community.
The solon called on residents of Tacloban to unite in grief and support those affected, noting the need for collective action to strengthen the safety of students in schools.
“Protecting our children must remain a priority,” he said, adding that lessons from the tragedy should push efforts to improve school safety measures nationwide.
Separately, Tingog Party-list expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a devastating blow to the school community and the city.
In a statement, the group said it is coordinating with hospitals, the local government, the Department of Education, and national agencies to assist victims, including covering hospitalization, medication, and other medical expenses.
Beyond physical injuries, the party-list also emphasized the need for psychosocial support for students, families, and school personnel affected by the shooting.
It said it will work with social welfare and health agencies, as well as counselors and community partners, to provide grief counseling, trauma support, and mental health services in the aftermath of the incident.